How far do you agree that new urban landscapes such as fortress developments,
heritage quarters and edge cities have intensified issues associated with economic
inequality and social segregation?
New urban landscapes such as fortress developments, heritage quarters and
edge cities have intensified issues associated with economic inequality and social
segregation to a significant extent. On the one hand, the development of cultural
and heritage quarters has encouraged regeneration and increased the reputation
of the area, providing employment and financial benefits. For example, in
Liverpool's Baltic Triangle, an area that was once run-down has been transformed
into a hub of creative and digital industries, with over 700 businesses and more
than 6,000 jobs created in recent years. However, on the other hand, these new
urban landscapes have also led to the exacerbation of issues associated with
economic inequality and social segregation.
In terms of economic inequality, gentrified areas have caused house prices to
rise, thereby forcing out less wealthy residents. For example, in Brooklyn, New
York, the average rent has risen by 79% in the last two decades, while the median
household income has increased by just 8%. This has led to the displacement of
lower-income residents, who are often forced to move to less desirable areas with
fewer opportunities. Moreover, fortress developments such as gated communities
have increased economic inequality by creating exclusive enclaves for the
wealthy, where access to amenities such as swimming pools, golf courses, and
private security is restricted. For example, in Brazil, the top 1% of the population
earns 33 times more than the bottom 50%, and many of the wealthy live in gated
communities that are protected by private security guards.
In terms of social segregation, fortress developments such as spikes in shop
doorways in Manchester exclude homeless people and move them on to different
areas, exacerbating social inequality. Similarly, gated communities in Nairobi have
increased levels of social segregation as the wealthier residents have 'protected'
themselves from outsiders. Moreover, edge cities in Los Angeles mean that
poorer residents with limited choice remain in inner city areas such as South
Central, where unemployment and crime rates are high, while edge cities such as
Anaheim characteristically have larger homes with retail opportunities.
In conclusion, while new urban landscapes such as fortress developments,
heritage quarters and edge cities have brought benefits such as regeneration and
employment opportunities, they have also intensified issues associated with
economic inequality and social segregation. As urbanization continues to
increase, it is important that policymakers take these issues into account when
planning new developments and ensure that they are inclusive and accessible to
all members of society.
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